European elections: Everything you should know about the election
Remember: On May 26, 2019, the European elections! TheFruitAndFlowerBasket explains what the choice is, what the tasks of the EU and its institutions are and why you should vote. Here you come to the Wahl-O-Mat.
What is the European election about?
Find the European elections every five years at the same time in all the Member States of the European Union (EU). In the European elections, the Members of the European Parliament directly elected by EU citizens.
The EU Parliament consists of representatives of all member states, making it the only directly elected supranational institution worldwide. Germany has 96 MPs for the European Parliament - being the most populous member state of the EU, it is more representative than any other country. Total includes Parliament currently has 751 seatsThe UK's exit from the EU may change this year.
2019 are in Germany 40 parties admitted for election. You vote according to the principles of proportional representation: As a voter, you have a vote with which you can choose a party (ie not individual persons). The seats in parliament are allocated in proportion to the number of votes.
What is the EU?
The European Union is currently suspended 28 member states together, who agree on certain basic democratic values and thus one community of values form.
There is one between these states free marketin which people, goods, services and capital can move freely. So you can live and work as an EU citizen within the European Union, wherever you want. In addition, the EU, as a group of states, is the largest producer of goods and the largest trading power of the world.
Commonly established bodies and institutions can discuss issues affecting all states at the European level overarching decisions to be hit. The European Parliament elected by us meets as legislative institution for example, environmental and consumer protection decisions. However, it also speaks on issues such as airline ticket prices and has enforced the roaming regulation, which now allows us all to surf the Internet at a much cheaper rate and make calls on the internet.
What is decided at the EU level affects us all and influences our lives on many levels! All the worse that in Germany at the last election, only every second voter has also submitted a ballot. After all, the EU is also one Project of peace and that should really be everyone's heart.
5 good reasons why you should definitely vote
1. Because you have the chance and the right
You have the right to co-determination in Europe, which many people in other countries would wish for. Take your chance and actively participate in democracy.
2. Because every vote counts
Every voice from the population is worth the same and contributes to the big picture. The thought? My voice changes nothing anyway? is wrong. Together you can achieve a lot.
3. Because you can actively influence politics
You choose the party and the representatives who best represent your opinion of politics. Thus, you can actively influence the politics and have the chance that your interests will be implemented.
4. Because you can and should take responsibility
Voting is not just a right, but also a civic duty. Although the election is voluntary, everyone should take responsibility and shape their future.
5. Because refusing to vote does not work
It is no use to anyone to vote in protest of a party. By doing so, your voice falls under the table. Better show your opinion by giving your vote to another party.
Who should I choose? - The election programs of each party
Before you vote, you can find out about each party's electoral programs. It explains what the parties are pursuing in European policy for the next five years and how they intend to implement it. If you are still unsure who you want to vote for, then you can do the Wahl-O-Mat. With this online tool, you can compare your views on specific topics with the answers of the parties.
Overview: The most important institutions of the European Union
| Institutions of the EU | European Parliament | Council of the European Union | European Commission | European Council |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who is a member? | Directly elected representatives | Ministers from all EU countries | One member per country, appointed by the governments of the member states | EU Heads of State and Government |
| Whose interests are represented? | Citizens of the EU | Member countries | EU as a whole, regardless of the member states | Governments of member countries |
| What are the powers? | Legislative violence (legislation) | Politically independent executive | No legislative power | |
| Which topics are dealt with? | Adoption of legislation Control of the EU institutions Establishment of the budget of the EU | Adoption of legislation Guidelines for e.g. Economic, social, foreign and security policy | Proposals for legislation (sole right of initiative) and their implementation Implementation of the budget Control of compliance with European law | Defining general EU policy objectives and priorities |
| How is work done? | Different committees are responsible for the different policy areas | Individual meetings where the countries send the minister responsible for the respective topic | Each Commissioner takes responsibility for one policy area | Meetings 4 times a year |
